Dual-sensor stethoscope with electronic sensor

Abstract

A dual-sensor stethoscope, or retrofit device for a stethoscope, promotes anti-sepsis and stereoscopy through use of a substantially rigid, generally T-shaped tube for support of dual stethoscope sensors, wherein at least one sensor is electronic. Each sensor may be rotated away from a body independently for use of a single head or rotated into the same general plane for dual-head stereoscopy. A clinician can create a spatial, three-dimensional (3D) antiseptic barrier and avoid the need to carry multiple stethoscopes. During stereoscopy, the use of a common tube or earphones allows the transmission of sound with constructive interference of sound waves. The substantially rigid, generally T-shaped support tube allows a clinician to auscultate with one hand and monitor two locations without transference of pathogens.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11 / 937,929, filed Nov. 9, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,516,814, issued Apr. 14, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND[0002]The embodiments disclosed herein are drawn generally to a dual-sensor stethoscope that promotes anti-sepsis, stereoscopy, and advanced sound processing. In particular, a stethoscope with dual-sensors on a T-shaped support is disclosed, wherein at least one sensor is electronic.[0003]Existing stethoscopes are currently utilized to auscultate or listen to physiologic sounds within the body. Auscultation with existing stethoscopes is currently performed by intermittently applying a stethoscope to the body surface through which the clinician hears various sounds. Intermittent auscultation may be thought of as a relatively benign procedure. However, several disadvantages and hazards are associated with the use of existing stethoscopes. First...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The disclosed embodiments provide a dual-sensor stethoscope that promotes antisepsis, stereoscopy, and advanced audio processing through use of a substantially rigid, generally T-shaped tube for support of dual stethoscope sensors, wherein at least one sensor is electronic. Each each sensor may be rotated away from a body independently for use of a single head or rotated into the same general plane for dual-sensor use, such as for stereoscopy. In this manner, a clinician can create a spatial, three-dimensional (3D) anti-septic barrier and avoid the need to carry multiple stethoscopes. When two sensors are used for stereoscopy, the use of at least one electronic sensor allows for advanced processing of sound waves. In all cases, the substantially rigid, generally T-shaped support tube allows a clinician to auscultate with one hand. The rigid support tube also allows a clinician to obtain a good seal during auscultation without the need to touch any portion of the stethoscope sensor(s), thus preventing any possible contamination of the sensor from the clinician's hand.

[0006]The support tube, and even the sensors (mechanical or electronic), can optionally be disposable to further promote anti-sepsis. The support tube, in various embodiments, can be designed to be retrofitted to any standard stethoscope and use standard stethoscope heads when only a single electronic sensor is employed. Use of a standard stethoscope heads allows the device to take advantage of the ordinary ability of a mechanical stethoscope head with a bell and diaphragm to be “turned off” by rotation of the head. The structure of the support tube can also provide a means to close the sound transmission path or disconnect an electronic sensor when a sensor is rotated away from a patient.

Problems solved by technology

However, several disadvantages and hazards are associated with the use of existing stethoscopes.

First, patients undergoing surgery may have the sterile field invaded thereby risking infection in order for the clinician to auscultate the chest.

These issues exist whether the stethoscope uses an acoustic (mechanical) sensor or an electronic sensor.

Another disadvantage of known stethoscopes is that patients are frequently awakened and disturbed so that the clinician may apply a cold stethoscope to the patient's chest to monitor vital signs.

Studies have shown serious developmental abnormalities in newborn infants who are frequently disturbed to auscultate heart and lung sounds with known stethoscopes.

Another disadvantage of existing stethoscopes is that the quality of sound wave transmission is dependent upon an airtight seal between the stethoscope and the skin, typically requiring the clinician to touch, and possibly contaminate, the sensor.

In the absence of an airtight seal, background noise is inadvertently detected and physiologic sound transmission is impaired.

Finally, another disadvantage of existing stethoscopes is that most are not capable of generating positive or constructive interference, filtering certain frequencies, or providing other processing of physiologic sound waves.

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